September 25, 2024 Minutes
Roll Call
The regular meeting of the Olympia Fields Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:38 pm.
Trustees Present: Howard Robinson (President), Dr. Taneen Brinson (Vice President), Sherry Demian (Treasurer), Elizabeth Hadala (Secretary), Jerry Pierson (Parliamentarian), and Carolyn Johnson
Absent: Dr. Kametta Clark
Also Present: Mary VanSwol and Jessica Washington
Minutes
Trustee Pierson moved to accept the minutes of the August meeting.
Trustee Demian seconded.
The motion passed.
Correspondence
President Robinson did not receive any correspondence.
Financial Report
Trustee Demian presented the August financial report.
Trustee Johnson moved to accept the financial report.
Trustee Hadala seconded.
The motion passed.
Little Free Library
President Robinson stated that the new Little Free Library has been installed.
Gift for Barbara
Trustee Demian asked the Board if there was still interest in getting Barbara’s poem set in calligraphy to give as a gift to Barbara. The estimate for the calligraphy work is $200-$250. The Board has already spent a little over $200 on gifts for Barbara. Trustee Johnson suggested asking one of the library assistants if they would do the calligraphy work.
Olympia Fields 100th Anniversary
President Robinson asked who from the Board was interested in joining the committee. Trustee Johnson stated that she has already volunteered.
ILA Conference
Trustee Pierson is registered to attend the ILA Conference.
Trustee Johnson moved that the Board cover ILA conference expenses for Jerry Pierson not to exceed $1,500.
Trustee Hadala seconded.
The motion passed.
October Fest
President Robinson stated that Olympia Fields is going to have an October Fest on October 12. He will reach out to Jesus Vargas at Olympia Fields Parks and Recreation.
Outreach Opportunities
Library Director VanSwol reported that November Fest is November 2. The Olympia Fields Public Library Board will have a table. The Board discussed ideas for what they could do with the table. They would like to hand out information for getting a library card.
Jessica Washington stated that October Fest is a partnership with the Park District and the Village of Olympia Fields. The event will take place at Sergeant Means Park from 11 am-6 pm. The Board discussed ideas for giveaways.
Trustee Johnson moved to purchase 400 plastic tote bags for handout at the October Fest and November Fest.
Trustee Demian seconded.
The motion passed.
Jessica Washington stated that the Community Relations Commission is going to partner with the Police Department for a trunk or treat. The event will be October 27 from 2-4 pm. Caroling in the park will be in December at Sergeant Means Park.
Trustee Pierson suggested getting a banner for the table that says Olympia Fields Public Library Board with the logo. The Board discussed getting a banner. Trustee Johnson suggested that it be a tablecloth. Jessica Washington ordered a tablecloth from 4 Imprint.
Trustee Demian stated that she was on the Village website. She could find no mention of the library board. Jessica Washington said she would look into it.
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol gave an update on the library. Library Card Sign-Up Month is ending soon. Our butterflies were released last week Monday. Three new assistants started this month: Sam, Robert, and Lee. The library has a portable catalog that can be used for signing patrons up for library cards. The cards still need to be printed in the library. The Ringering Room will be getting new audiovisual equipment.
Report of Olympia Fields Village
Jessica Washington handed out a newsletter called Minding our Businesses. She also handed out chips to enjoy discounts and promotions at local businesses. She is working to get a tax appeal workshop scheduled with the Cook County Tax Assessor office.
Trustee Johnson asked about the progress on the old Jewel site. Jessica Washington answered that the Village Board of Trustees voted to have the plaza demolished. Trustee Johnson asked about the closed bank on Western. Jessica Washington stated that the Board is seeking to approve the rezoning of that property.
Jessica Washington stated that the Village Manager is out on medical leave and will be out for several more weeks.
Adjournment
Trustee Demian moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Hadala seconded.
The motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm